Neverending Nightmares
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Neverending Nightmares
Neverending Nightmares is an examination of inescapable sadness and horror. I can't call it fun, but it left a lasting impression on me
Neverending Nightmares is an apt name for an unnerving but meandering experience.
I admire the sheer artistic bravery of Matt Gilgenbach. It isn't often that a game developer will tear his heart out and lay it down for everyone to see. Despite its flaws, Neverending Nightmares offers a striking and unforgettable horror experience, combined with an uncomfortably intimate look into the true torment of mental illness. However, its lack of content and uneven pacing prevent it from being the classic it feels like it could have been.
Neverending Nightmares doesn't go for the big set pieces, but relies on you to fill the gaps with your own imagination before unleashing some horror on you. Its slow pace combined with ominous sounds and music help to build tension in environments that gradually fall apart, as Neverending Nightmares masterfully gives off a sense of dread in its short playtime.
I hesitate to call Neverending Nightmares a "bad game." Despite its flaws, it remains a unique experience and a rare, intimate look into an illness that is often misunderstood by media.
While I do believe some players may dismiss the game as a "walking simulator" (as they are wont to do nowadays), Neverending Nightmares falls into the must-play section of the horror genre. Whether or not you find it scary, you'll definitely be disturbed and intrigued as you seek resolution to the madness. There are also branching paths, something the game will point out, but the actions or lack thereof Thomas must take to find them are elusive and will keep players guessing. Get used to the blood.
After an extremely positive first hour that was tremendously terrifying, Neverending Nightmares wears thin. The gorgeous visuals aren't enough to save the game from its own tedious design, and ultimately I was bored by the time the game ended less than three hours later. There's a lot of interesting ideas, but very few are capitalized on in any captivating way.
Neverending Nightmares has its flaws, and it certainly isn't for the squeamish. However, anyone who digs the horror or suspense genres should absolutely pick this up. Being born out of personal torment and inner conflict makes this game a unique experience, and sometimes you can't help but relate to Thomas' confusion as he wanders through the dark. I hope you can save him. I know I wouldn't want to be stuck in his nightmare.
